Described as a “high-tech” magistrate, Bennett was the first visiting federal judge to be on the bench for the CNMI following the retirement of Chief Judge Alex R. Munson last February.
In an e-mail interview, Bennett shared with the Variety his experiences on island and his thoughts about the CNMI.
Describe yours “firsts” on Saipan.
First time I conducted a judicial proceeding in Mandarin.
First time I ate turon (fried banana roll). Just loved them.
First time I have worked all day then gone snorkeling in the early evening.
First time I attended the Flame Tree Arts Festival.
First time I attended a courthouse beach barbecue.
I shall always remember the unsurpassed beauty of the island and the sunrise hike to Forbidden Island.
How would you describe your two-week visit?
I loved everything about Saipan — especially the cultural diversity, and the richness of its history.
I very much enjoyed meeting members of the community and found them to be very knowledgeable about Saipan history and the history of the CNMI and Micronesia.
I just loved the Flame Tree Arts Festival and marveled at the indigenous talent (and the food and entertainment was marvelous, too).
The staff at the courthouse was exceptionally competent and very friendly and welcoming.
Chief Judge Alex Munson is to be congratulated for selecting and developing such a superb staff and atmosphere at the courthouse.
Everyone was extremely dedicated to serving the public.
I was very, very impressed with the quality of lawyers that appeared before me.
The CNMI has a very diverse and strong and bar. The lawyers were very zealous, well prepared, and extremely professional and cordial to work with.
Any lessons learned?
Saipan has a glorious natural beauty that needs to be protected from any exploitation.
The CNMI struck me as the true and best example of the American “melting pot” of anywhere I have been.
I hope the tolerance for diversity continues to be encouraged and nourished.
What is your advice to the CNMI?
I think it is very important to maintain an independent federal judiciary in the CNMI.
This is especially important because it is so small and so many folks both know each other and are related to each other.
Justice must be fair and impartial and not depend on friendships or family.
The rich and the poor must be treated equally.
If given a chance, would you like to return to the CNMI?
In a flash of a heartbeat. I love Saipan and the CNMI.
Would you recommend other colleagues to “volunteer” as visiting judge?
No! I want to hog the CNMI for myself!
Just kidding it would be a great experience for any federal judge from the mainland.
Any suggestions for the would-be chief judge for the CNMI?
That is for President Obama and the U.S. Senate to decide.
I think there are many qualified lawyers in the CNMI and on the commonwealth bench that would follow the great tradition of fairness and independence that C. J. Munson will always be known for.
Any suggestions for those dreaming of becoming a lawyer or a judge someday?
Set your goals high.
The problem with most of us is not that we set our goals to high and fail to achieve them but that we set them too low and reach them.
Work hard, study hard and be compassionate for those who have to struggle harder than you do in life. And above all stand up for what you believe in!
What is your take on the recommendation that the U.S. District Court for the NMI should have its own courthouse, prosecutors, U.S. Marshals?
I totally agree with this and will be writing Washington, D.C. urging Congress to build a federal courthouse in Saipan!
Any other thoughts you wish to share?
The CNMI is a wonderful and special place.
I hope and pray that the local customs and culture are preserved and allowed to flourish.
We are all richer for your cultural and ethnic diversity.
//
